Empire Fall

Cecil Padwing lost his beautiful, beloved wife over a decade ago, and since then has been consumed with the need for revenge against the man responsible. Now his son Andre has reached manhood, and is ready to take his place at the Imperial Court. Trained from childhood for this task, Andre sets off determined to please his father and fulfill his wishes. The Court is a dangerous place, though, for the newly initiated; ambitious courtiers, Imperial spies, and the looming presence of the Inquisition lurk its halls. Caught in the middle between his father's iron will and his own sense of honor and justice, Andre faces choices that will test both his resolve and his humanity. Alliances at Court can be fickle things, and enemies made with the turn of a card. The dance of intrigue has begun, and Andre must play the game to the bitter end, or forfeit his hand forever.